Wayfinding signs and how to call them?

What are wayfinding signs?

Wayfinding signs, also known as directory signage, are essential tools that assist in navigating buildings and spaces. Finding your way through unfamiliar locations can be a daunting task, but wayfinding signs serve as your trusted allies—especially when you’re trying to locate that well-hidden Aldi store in a sprawling Westfield.

For businesses and signage providers, understanding when and where to use specific signs is crucial for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free navigation experience for your clients. In this comprehensive article, SIGNLINK will guide you through everything you need to know about wayfinding signs.

From street signs to interior signage, we’ll explore the various types of wayfinding signs and their functions. Discover the science behind effective wayfinding systems and how they optimise user experience.

Braille tactile signs

What is a braille sign?

Braille or tactile signs are accessibility features that provide essential information to individuals with visual impairments. These signs utilise raised characters and Braille to convey messages, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. It is mandatory in public spaces by the Building Codes of Australia.

Where to Use

• Public Buildings: Hospitals, schools, universities, and government facilities

• Commercial Spaces: Retail stores, office buildings, and malls

• Transportation Hubs: Airports, train stations, and bus terminals

• Recreational Areas: Parks, museums, and community centers

SIGNLINK Braille Models

SignLink provides affordable standard Braille signs produced in large batches, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. Additionally, we specialize in custom-built Braille and tactile signs tailored to your specific requirements and designs.

• Standard Braille Signs: A diverse selection of designs that cater to common accessibility needs.

• Exit Signs: Specifically designed to indicate exits and comply with Australian Building Code requirements.

• Custom Braille Signs: Bespoke options crafted from your artwork or designs, available in materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, or high-quality polycarbonate.

Where to use these door signs?:

Door plates are usually mounted on doors or the wall next to them to display the name of the room, the person occupying it, or both, that’s why people often call them name plates. They are normally placed in:

• Corporate Offices: To identify employees or departments.

• Hospitals and Clinics: For labeling room numbers or doctor offices.

• Commercial Spaces: To mark meeting rooms or private offices.

• Hotels: For room numbers or important notices.

• Schools and Universities: To label classrooms, offices, or faculty spaces.

SIGNLINK’s Name Plate Models

SIGNLINK Door Plate and Name Plate Range features 4 basic models and 7 combination models designed to meet all your needs and those of your clients. Additionally, our custom-built capabilities ensure we can accommodate any special design requirements.

Basic: 

• DP100-S (Single Line Door Plate): This standard model features an extruded aluminium faceplate for durability and style.

• DP100-PI (Paper Insert Door Plate): Designed with an extruded ‘C’ channel and a clear plastic cover, this model allows for easy display of printed paper inserts.

• DP100-SP (Sliding Door Plate): This model includes a half-width slider, enabling you to showcase two different messages, such as “Vacant” and “In Use.”

• DP100-EL (Engraving Laminate Door Plate): Similar to the DP100-S, this model features an elegant engraved laminate insert for a more sophisticated look.

Combination Models:

• Standard + Paper Insert door plate – DP100-CPI

• Standard + Slider door plate – DP100-CSP

• Standard +  Slider – Number door plate – DP100-CSPN

• Paper Insert + Number door plate – DP100-PIN

• Standard + Paper Insert – Number door plate – DP100-CPIN

• Security door plate – DP100-SEC

• Multifaceted – DP100-M

Desk Signs:

The SIGNLINK Door Plate and Name Plate Range also includes elegant desk signs, perfect for modern office environments. These aluminium desk signs maintain the same high quality and feature interchangeable face plates, allowing for quick and easy updates.

Statutory / Regulatory signs

What is a statutory sign?

Statutory signs, or also called Regulatory signs,are essential visual indicators that convey mandatory requirements, safety protocols, and guidelines as stipulated by the Australian Building Codes. These signs ensure compliance with laws and regulations, contributing to the safety and well-being of individuals in various environments. It is mandatory to feature tactile messages on the signs, hence, we also classify it as braille signs. 

Where to Use:

According to the Building Codes of Australia, regulatory signs should be prominently displayed in the following locations:

• Commercial and Residential Buildings: To inform occupants and visitors of safety procedures, fire exits, emergency contact numbers, and other critical information.

• Construction Sites: To communicate safety regulations, such as hard hat zones, restricted areas, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Public Spaces: In parks, sidewalks, and community areas to enforce regulations like no smoking, pet restrictions, and proper disposal of waste.

• Roadways: To manage traffic flow and ensure adherence to road rules, including speed limits, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings.

SIGNLINK’s regulatory/ statutory signage range:

SIGNLINK offers a variety of statutory signs that comply with the Australian Building Codes, including:

• Fire Safety Signs: Indicating fire exits, fire equipment locations, and emergency procedures, designed to meet the requirements of AS 3745.

• Braille and Tactile Signs: Ensuring accessibility for individuals with visual impairments, following the guidelines of AS 1428.1 for accessible design.

• Standard Statutory Signs: Mass-produced signs that adhere to the Australian Building Codes, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or compliance.

• Custom Statutory Signs: Tailored to specific needs, these signs can address unique regulatory requirements or branding considerations.

Where to use: 

Suspended signs can be used in a variety of settings, including:

• Shopping Centres: To guide customers to stores, restrooms, and exits.

• Airports: To provide information on gates, services, and directions.

• Office Complexes: To assist with navigation, identifying departments, and sharing building information.

• Medical Facilities: To guide patients and visitors to various departments and services.

• Educational Institutions: For helping individuals navigate campus buildings and departments.

• Event Venues: To direct attendees to different events and areas.

• Dining Establishments: For displaying menus or providing directional guidance.

• Retail Shops: To promote offers, share information, or highlight different sections.

SIGNLINK’s Suspended Sign Models

SIGNLINK offers a range of suspended sign models that are akin to our projecting signs; however, instead of being mounted on walls, they are hung from ceilings using rigid rods, making them ideal for indoor use. These signs are designed to be visible from various directions and can be easily updated or changed, making them a great option for delivering messages in high-traffic areas.

1. Base Model CS300P: Features a double-sided face, perfect for smaller sign sizes. This model offers a compact yet functional solution.

2. Hallmark Series – CS400P:  A robust option with a double-sided face designed for larger signage needs without sacrificing style.

3. Top Hat Model – CS500P: An ultra-modern, slimline design that creates a floating look, typically used in contemporary spaces like government offices.

SIGNLINK Poster Display models:

SIGNLINK offer 4 wall mount frame that meet all the requirements. 

1. Denier Poster Display: Standard slimline and economical frames, ideal for internal use.

2. Avant Garde Poster Display: Features a removable clear cover with a sleek design, available in multiple sizes.

3. Alpha Poster Display: Cost-effective with edge-to-edge display options, suitable for secure applications.

4. Panorama Poster Display: Heavy-duty model designed for high-traffic environments, with a robust aluminium cover.

For detailed information including size and structure, please visit our Poster Display page.

Where to Use:

• Commercial Properties: Ideal for businesses wanting to increase visibility and attract customers driving from far away.

• Directional Signage: Effective for guiding visitors in large complexes, parks, or campuses.

• Event Signage: Useful for temporary or permanent displays at events and exhibitions.

• Institutional Settings: Commonly seen in schools, hospitals, and government buildings for information and direction.

SIGNLINK’s Pylon Signs:

Most sign companies today utilise 3mm thick composite aluminium for sign faces, making them ideally suited for mounting in our frame. As a result, we are offering the Hallmark Post & Panel signs as knockdown kits without the sign faces. This approach significantly reduces transportation costs and provides a more economical solution for you. We also provide faces according to your design requirements.

There’s no need for cutting the extrusion—assembly is all that’s required. Simply add the price of the Hallmark panel to the price of the poles to determine your total cost.

Directory/ wall signs

What is a Directory Sign?

A directory sign, often referred to as a wall sign, is a type of signage that provides clear, organized information to help people navigate a building or area.

These signs typically list names, locations, or functions of businesses, offices, or facilities within a larger complex, such as office buildings, shopping centers, hospitals, or schools. Their main purpose is to guide visitors efficiently, helping them find their way around the facility.

Mounting big signs – split battens

Not only provide various signs model with full customisations, SIGNLINK also provide durable split batten systems, which can help you instal the signage securely and aesthetically.

What is a split batten system? 

Split batten systems are commonly used for securely mounting signs, panels, or artwork to walls. They consist of two interlocking components: one mounted on the wall and the other on the object. This allows for easy installation, removal, and repositioning while ensuring a strong, stable hold. Our aluminium split batten systems are ideal for use in commercial signage and applications requiring precision and durability.

SIGNLINK’s Split Batten Systems:

Our aluminium split battens are crafted with precision ensuring minimal manpower. The premium material also ensure it can withstand the test of weather and time. 

The design also support sleek, low-profile mounting with minimal spacing from the wall. Not to mention it support hang and remove heavy items without causing damage to the wall. We offer 2 models of split battens:

• SD Split Batten Systems: Suitable for lighter signage, this version is ideal for applications where weight is a concern, offering a streamlined appearance without sacrificing durability. 

• HD Split Batten Systems: Designed for heavier applications, providing robust support and an aesthetic appeal. Recommended for larger signs and high-traffic areas.